Ryan Braun, 2011 National League MVP and franchise home run king for the Milwaukee Brewers, announced his retirement on Tuesday.
The six-time All-Star selection has not played this season since becoming a free agent when the Brewers refused to exercise a $15 million reciprocal option in his contract last October.
"I've weighed this decision for several months," said Brawn, 37, in a video posted to social media by the Brewers. “While I still love the game very much, it is the right time for me to retire from my playing days.
“It is difficult to describe my feelings today, but it begins with immense gratitude to those who have shared this experience with me, offering their unconditional support at every turn. ... I always play sports. Best fans of the U.S. and the countless people who came to the ballpark night after night, making Milwaukee the biggest city to play this game."
In addition to his 352 home runs, Braun, who played all of his 14 MLB seasons with the Brewers, ranks second in franchise history in career RBIs (1,154), extra-base hits (809), total bases (3,525) and doubles. 408). He is third in runs (1,080), hits (1,963), triples (49), stolen bases (216) and walks (586).
“I am very fortunate to have enjoyed a 14-year career wearing a team jersey, and even more grateful that the team is the Milwaukee Brewers,” said Braun. “I am retiring from Major League Baseball today, but my love for those who support me continues to grow. I cherish great memories of my time with the Brewers and will continue to cherish the many friendships that have been made in this wonderful city. "
Brawn batted at a career low of .233 in 2020 with seven homers and 27 RBIs while dealing with a back issue in 39 games. He came strong late in the season and had .958 Ops in September.
His back issues prevented him from playing in the Brewers' first-round playoff loss to the eventual World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Brawn was one of baseball's best hitters from 2007 to 2012, but never more so after he was suspended in the middle of the 2013 season for using performance-enhancing drugs. He admitted that he took a banned substance while rehabilitating an injury and apologized.
Since 2014, Brawn has never played more than 144 games in a season and has reached the 30-homer mark once after topping 30 homers five times in his first six years, including the NL-leading 41 in 2012. Included. Nevertheless, he remained a significant contributor. For brewers.
"I always thought Ryan should be incredibly proud of the way the last six or seven years have gone," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "He must be incredibly proud of that. At the time, he had a story to write. He didn't know how it was going to go, and I think he wrote a great story and he was proud of that." should be."
Braun was a teammate with Counsel early in his career before eventually playing for him.
"What I always say to Ryan, I always joke with him is, 'Maybe besides your mom and your dad, I've seen you play baseball more than anyone in the world.' I was there for every game throughout his career," Counsel said. "I got a close seat for a vast majority of them. It was definitely an honor to see him play."
The Brewers selected Braun from Miami with the fifth overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft. He was named NL Rookie of the Year in 2007 and ranked in the top 15 in MVP voting every year from 2008 to 2012. He finished second in MVP voting in 2012 and third in 2008.
Team president Mark Atanasio said in a statement, "Ryan brought us many unforgettable moments on the field; from playoff-clinching, dramatic home runs to nearly 2,000 career hits, he is unquestionably one of the greatest players in Brewers history." Is."
The Brewers will honor Braun with an on-field ceremony on September 26.
Outfielder Christian Yelich said, "It's well deserved that he didn't miss out on the chance to play in front of fans at City, the organization and obviously, [after] last year."